Puppy Love! Where to Go on Playdates With Your Pup in San Diego

It’s Year of the Dog and puppy love is in the air––so there’s no better time to treat your family’s fur baby to some playful outings all over San Diego, where it really is a dog’s world. From restaurants that offer special dog menus (really!) to the best beaches to roam and how to take in a Padres game with your pooch, read on for where to frolic with Fido!

PLAY ALL DAY

photo: Beth Shea

Dogs love the beach! San Diego is even home to the world famous Surf Dog Ricochet and there’s no shortage of shoreline to roam and waves to splash in for pooches. Our fave spots are Coronado Dog Beach where the iconic views can’t be beat, OB Dog Beach, also known as The Original Dog Beach for being one of the first ever leash-free dog beaches in America and Fiesta Island Dog Park (recently named the Best Dog Park in the U.S.) which is an expansive sandy island in Mission Bay where doggos can run free among the sand dunes and take a dip in the calmer Bay water.

photo: Rachel Cobb

Does your hound love to hike? Lace up those boots (and check that the trail you’re headed to allows dogs) and head out to one of our favorite hiking trails in San Diego. Note: Be sure to consider whether your dog can physically make the trek and take plenty of water for your pooch. Be aware that trails also contain wildlife including coyotes and rattlesnakes.

Don’t miss this weekend’s 5K Paw Walk in the San Diego Botanic Garden. Take a beautiful, scenic stroll through a 37-acre garden with your best canine companion in tow to benefit the Rancho Coastal Humane Society and San Diego Botanic Garden. Enjoy food (for people and dogs), pet products and the unbeatable company of pooches and puppies.

Take your dog out to the ball game in style at The Barkyard at Petco Park. Cheer on the Padres in this “elevated backyard-inspired setting” that boasts five semi-private, dog-friendly viewing areas for Padres home games for up to four people and two dogs!

DINING OUT WITH DOGGY

The Patio on Lamont is acclaimed for having one of the most dog-friendly restaurant patios in the city. They’ll provide your pooch with fresh water and homemade dog treats while you dine.

Fur babies are well taken care of at Barbarella Restaurant and Bar where they have an actual dog menu with items including grilled chicken breast, ground beef, eggs, chopped up bacon and vanilla ice cream for dessert. Awesome to know they also have special baby and kid menus for your human children.

Claire’s On Cedros welcomes your entire clan saying they are “family friendly, dog friendly and most of all just plain friendly!” They sell Claire’s all-natural dog cookies that are made using leftover chicken from their kitchen. ($3 each)

Headed to North Park? Dine at Encontro where they have a dedicated dog menu. (See above). This hip eatery in trendy North Park gives your pup a free Puppuccino and an array of other offerings like a hot-diggity-dog or pooch pops to cool down on hot days.

Stroll into Paw Pleasers, San Diego’s original bakery for cats and dogs and treat your furry friend to homemade ice cream and fresh baked dog treats that are free of preservatives, wheat, corn and soy.